Feature Request: Square Reader for magstripe with a USB-C connector

[toyssamurai]

The title of this post has been edited from the original: USB Type C and Square App Accessories Support

It's time for Square to really look into this problem. As of now, the Android Square app does not support Bluetooth accessories. At the same time, it requires USB OTG. And that brings a problem -- the smartphone industry is migrating to USB Type C, and by doing that almost all smartphones/tablets that I know of drop USB OTG support. I've used the Nexus 6P, Pixel XL, Pixel 2 XL and the Pixel C. All of them use USB Type C. When I use the Square app on them, I cannot use any Square supported USB barcode scanners, and printers. And, NO, it did not work even when I bought one of those USB-C Hub that claims OTG support. I've tried a dozen of them. I think in a year or so, none of the mid to upper end Android devices will not be able to support any USB accessories through the Square app. In 2 years, I bet virtually none of them, even on the lower end, would allow us to plug even a barcode scanner to it.

I mean, people working for Square, think about this: in 2 years, NO new Android devices out there will be able to use barcode scanner with your Point of Sale app. Are you kidding me? A POS system that doesn't support barcode scanning? So, you are expecting me to type UPC in, one by one?

[#2]

Hey @bbrewer - I've moved your post to this thread so that we can continue to track requests for a Square Reader for magstripe with USB-C compatibility. There are a couple of ways that you could accept payments from cards without a chip:

• You can manually enter the card information into the Square Point of Sale app, or by processing the payment using your Virtual Terminal on the Dashboard.
• As @Kassi_ suggested, you could try purchasing a USB-C compatible dongle to connect a magstripe reader to your device.

[#3]

I'm sorry for the trouble @unioncarpgirl! If you received the wrong reader you can return your reader online.

Keep in mind the new magstripe reader with Lightning connector can only be used with iPhones. There isn't a reader with a USB-C connector. But as @VanKalkerFarms mentioned you could use the Contactless and Chip Card reader instead because that reader pairs to your device over Bluetooth LE. 

And finally, just to let you know, the readers are universal and can be used with any Square account.

[Jerrydavies]

This reply was created from merging an existing thread: Re: I need adapter for IPhone 10

How do I use square on iphone 11 it has no jack

[Valentina]

Hey @bbrewer - I've moved your post to this thread so that we can continue to track requests for a Square Reader for magstripe with USB-C compatibility. There are a couple of ways that you could accept payments from cards without a chip:

• You can manually enter the card information into the Square Point of Sale app, or by processing the payment using your Virtual Terminal on the Dashboard.
• As @Kassi_ suggested, you could try purchasing a USB-C compatible dongle to connect a magstripe reader to your device.

[Valentina]

Hi @Jerrydavies - I moved your post over to this thread so we can better track interest in a magstripe reader with USB-C compatibility.

Definitely check to see if your device is compatible first, but as long as it is, I recommend grabbing one of our Square Readers for contactless and chip. This reader uses Bluetooth to connect to your device, and is EMV-compliant.

Take a look at the Best Answer for tips on processing swiped card payments without a magstripe reader!

[bbrewer]

Has anyone seen such a dongle?

[bbrewer]

Never mind. I found plenty ot them. Didn't know such a thing existed. Thank for the help.

[bbrewer]

I am going to backpeddle a little on my previous post.

I found a lot of dongles, but very few that listed my Note 10. One of them even excluded the Note10.

Samsung advertises that their product will work.

Just wanted to caution anyone who might be considering a dongle to be aware and read the fine print.

I might even consider to not use the magstripe due to the liability.

[Amsavig]

I have purchased 2 different dongles to use with the original magstrip reader and neither of them work. I have a samsung and purchased both a samsung dongle and off brand. Contactless chip reader is unreliable when connecting to phone. Definitely prefer a strip reader!

[AshleyK]

I hear you! Getting a USB-C adapter for the magstripe reader is a huge feature request, so I will be sure to add this to our list for tracking.

Yes, at this time, the Contactless and Chip Reader is the only wireless option for you, but it should be reliable when connecting to your phone. 

Your reader shouldn’t have any issues staying connected but there are a few quick tricks that can help get you back up and running right away. Give these a try and you should be all set:

• Make sure Bluetooth is turned on from your device settings. If it’s on, try turning it off and back on.
• Ensure that your reader is connected through the Square App, select Settings > Card Readers.
• Make sure that your reader is within 10 feet of your device. Beyond that distance, the BLE connection will be out of range and become disconnected.
• Double check that your reader is fully charged.
• Delete and reinstall the Square app. Note: If you’ve recently accepted payments while in Offline Mode and haven’t uploaded them, don’t delete and reinstall the app or you’ll lose these transactions. Connect your mobile device to the Internet to complete these payments before deleting the app.
• Check your internet connection, a weak connection can cause your reader to disconnect.
• Turn your mobile device off and back on.

Keep in mind that your reader will enter sleep mode after 2 hours of inactivity, simply press the power button once to wake your reader back up.

[TSM]

Apple has now moved to USB-C as well, I think we need a solution sooner then later. 

[tmfaulksr]

Does the square credit card swiper support OnePlus Mobile Phones through the "C" style charging port?